We are non-profit arts organization that provides opportunities and resources for performance-focused physical artists on Canada’s West Coast.
We aim transform our regional industry by empowering artists from the ground up.
Our
Mission
Performance Opportunities
We are working provide regular performance opportunities for local artists to hone their skills, reach new audiences, and catalyze the community.
Resources
We provide education and resources relevant to the unique struggles artists in our community face to empower performers
Innovation and Creativity
We aim to spark innovation and creativity in the performance of circus and interdisciplinary physical arts in Vancouver, and to create a vibrant scene all our own on the west coas
Fostering Community
We aim to build community-focused spaces and events, with collective responsibility, diversity and equality in participation, and systems of conflict resolution.
Our
Values
Integrity
We hold integrity within our organization and of our community as a value. We do not claim to never make mistakes, because we’re only human. But we hope to always be learning, improving and contributing back to our industry and our community with honesty, kindness and compassion.
Inclusivity
We value inclusivity within our community and fundamentally believe there is a place for everybody regardless of race, age, orientation, identity, ability or body.
Safety
We value all forms of safety including physical, emotional and community safety. We seek to learn and unlearn to continue to be a safe space within our community.
Empowerment
We value empowerment of artists to feel in control of their own art, body, practice and careers.
OUR PEOPLE
The Society
Maria Sample
Society Co-Director; Operations Manager
Maria is a circus artist and human powerhouse who defies categorization. Her performances blend artistry, honesty, and awe with the creative challenge of defying gravity. As your resident weirdo, Maria performs burlesque, aerial rope, aerial silks, chair dance and acrobatics, and embraces the magic of delving into the process of creation just so see what we end up with on the other side. Maria has performed with Too Fly Productions and the Underground Circus and has produced events with Wild Rumpus Cabaret. Her work has been featured in the Transform Cabaret, Alberta Circus Arts Festival and St. John’s International Circus Festival.
Renée Mak
Marketing + Design
Renée Mak is an all around, multidisciplinary creative maven whose life’s purpose is to ideate and create. Whether its circus, design or illustration, her brain is constantly buzzing with imagination. With over a decade of experience, Renée’s circus ranges from gut hitting storytelling to side splitting laughter and for her, circus is the embodiment of self empowerment balanced with community - whether its building it or inviting others in to participate in art. Her work has been a part of the Alberta Circus Arts Festival, St. John’s International Circus Arts Festival, Moisture Varieté festival and TELUS Asian Heritage Month programming.
Sidonie Adamson
Society Co-Director / Production Manager
Sido Adamson is an award winning circus performer, burlesque artist and coach. Her career has seen her perform across the world in tours, on cruise ships, for extravagant weddings and in intimate cabarets. She has worked with notable companies such as Les Sept Doigts de la Main and Anystage productions. Her work has been featured in renowned festivals such as Seattle's Moisture Festival and the St John’s International Circus Festival.
The Board
Our Board of Directors for 2023-2024 are
Maria Sample
Rhiannon Simpson
Rob Teszka
Yuki Ueda
Sidonie Adamson
Dana Chan
Renée Mak
Acknowledging the land on which Circollective operates on
Collectively, we are grateful for Circollective to operate on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Individually, we reflect and acknowledge what it means to be a settler on this land and to live, work and play here.
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Growing up in Alberta and through a legacy of institutionalized ignorance - I never knew the extent of Indigenous issues in Canada. Or the extent of the atrocities committed by Canada. Regrettably, I was well into adulthood until I started to educate myself about the land in which we occupy and to understand more about the history of how Indigenous communities welcomed the Chinese, when nobody else did.
As a second generation Chinese Canadian and with a family history impacted by racist immigration policies and railroad labourers - I hold the utmost appreciation for the care that Indigenous communities, including the Sto:lo, Musequeam and Squamish showed to early Chinese immigrants. You community not only welcomed the Chinese, who were so often discriminated against, but you also literally saved the lives of so many that were left to die on railroad worksites.
When I live, work and play on these unceded lands – I reflect back to the kindness and community values that the Indigenous showed to my ancestors, and am honoured to be able to be able to call this place home here. I hope that I can continually reflect the same respect and compassion back. Thank you for your community for taking care of mine.